In front, from left, are Logan Johnson, Madison Kohler, Ian Claar, Jacob Knutson, Sara Castillo, and Abby Oliver. In back, from left, are Luna Ortiz, Amberlee Busz, Gracie Luce, Wrigley Crabtree, Fe Garcia, Megan Lothamer, Margaret Burkholder, and Olivia Bloemendaal. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — After a year off from the usual Indiana State School Music Association solo and ensemble competition due to COVID-19, Warsaw Community Schools’ band students came back stronger than ever.

This year, 39 musical soloists and ensembles competed at Northwood High School, showcasing their talents to judges gathered from across the state. Thirty-four of those performances earned a gold rating, with another five earning silver.

“This contest is such a unique opportunity for our students,” said Kyle Travis, assistant band director at Warsaw Community High School. “Much of what we do in the band program is a group activity, where ensembles of 30 or more students have to work together to create music. With this activity, it is focused on individual students in their solo performance or a small group of students performing in an ensemble. The performance is a showcase of each individual student’s hard work, which is really rewarding to see.”

Warsaw band students in grades 6-12 all competed at this year’s contest and were placed in different groups based on years of experience. The most experienced students, who perform the most difficult music, have the opportunity to compete at state finals if they earned a gold rating at this weekend’s contest.

“We’re so excited to have 21 students competing at our state event,” said Travis. “This is the highest number of students we’ve had to qualify for the event in a long time. It says a lot about how hard our students are working and what they are capable of. I’m so proud of all of our students that competed.”

The ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble contest will take place at North Central High School in Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 26. Several students will also have the opportunity to perform their music for the public at the band’s winter showcase concert on Tuesday, March 29. Admission will be free of charge.